UPSC Scholarship 2026: List of Scholarships for Civil Services Aspirants

A UPSC scholarship is not a single scheme but a collection of scholarships and free coaching programs designed to help civil services aspirants financ

UPSC Scholarship 2026: List of Scholarships for Civil Services Aspirants

Preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination is a dream for millions of aspirants in India. However, the high cost of coaching, study material, and living expenses often becomes a major hurdle — especially for students from economically weaker backgrounds. To support deserving candidates, several government and private organizations offer UPSC scholarships and free coaching schemes.

These scholarships aim to provide financial assistance, free coaching, mentorship, and study resources to talented students who want to crack IAS, IPS, or other civil services exams but cannot afford expensive preparation.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best UPSC scholarships available in India, eligibility criteria, benefits, and how to apply.

---

What is a UPSC Scholarship?

A UPSC scholarship is not a single scheme but a collection of scholarships and free coaching programs designed to help civil services aspirants financially and academically.

These scholarships may provide:

• Free UPSC coaching

• Monthly stipend

• Study materials

• Hostel facilities

• Online classes

They are offered by:

• Government ministries

• State governments

• NGOs

• Private institutes

Top UPSC Scholarships in India

India offers a wide range of UPSC scholarships through central ministries, state governments, and private institutions. These programs aim to make civil services preparation accessible to talented students regardless of financial background.

Central Government UPSC Scholarships

Here is the name list of Central Government UPSC Scholarships 🇮🇳 (names only as requested):

1. Free Coaching Scheme (Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment)

2. Dr. Ambedkar Centres of Excellence (DACE)

3. Naya Savera Scheme (Ministry of Minority Affairs)

4. Nai Udaan Scheme

5. UGC SC/ST Free Coaching Scheme

6. IGNOU Free UPSC Coaching Scheme

7. MANUU Free Coaching Scheme

8. Jamia Millia Islamia RCA (Residential Coaching Academy)

9. Aligarh Muslim University UPSC Coaching Program

10. Central Universities UPSC Coaching Schemes (UGC-supported)

State Government UPSC Scholarships List

1. Mukhyamantri Abhyudaya Yojana (Uttar Pradesh)

2. Jai Bhim Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas Yojana (Delhi)

3. Mukhyamantri Anuprati Coaching Yojana (Rajasthan)

4. NTR Vidyonnathi Scheme (Andhra Pradesh)

5. Kerala Civil Services Academy Coaching Scheme

6. Maharashtra Pre-IAS Training Centres Scheme

7. Naan Mudhalvan UPSC Scheme (Tamil Nadu)

8. Bihar Civil Services Incentive Scheme

9. Telangana BC Study Circle UPSC Coaching Scheme

10. Karnataka Morarji Desai UPSC Coaching Scheme

11. Haryana Super 100 Civil Services Scheme

12. Punjab IAS & Allied Services Coaching Scheme

13. Arunachal Pradesh CM Civil Services Coaching Scheme

14. Lakshya Scheme (Tripura)

15. Himachal Pradesh Civil Services Coaching Scheme

16. Gujarat UPSC Coaching Assistance Scheme

17. Odisha Free Civil Services Coaching Scheme

18. Chhattisgarh Free UPSC Coaching Scheme

19. Madhya Pradesh UPSC Coaching Support Scheme

20. Jharkhand Civil Services Coaching Scheme

University-Based UPSC Scholarships in India

1. Jamia Millia Islamia Residential Coaching Academy (RCA)

2. Aligarh Muslim University UPSC Coaching Program

3. Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) Free Coaching Scheme

4. University of Delhi SC/ST Coaching Programme

5. Jawaharlal Nehru University UPSC Coaching Support Programs

6. Jamia Hamdard UPSC Coaching Programme

7. Banaras Hindu University UPSC Coaching Scheme

8. University of Hyderabad UPSC Coaching Assistance

9. Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) Civil Services Support Programs

10. Central University of Gujarat UPSC Coaching Scheme

11. Central University of Rajasthan UPSC Coaching Support

12. Pondicherry University Civil Services Coaching Scheme

13. University of Allahabad UPSC Coaching Assistance

14. Calcutta University UPSC Coaching Support Programs

15. Osmania University Civil Services Coaching Scheme

Private UPSC Scholarships in India

1. NEXT IAS National Scholarship Test (NST)

2. Vision IAS Scholarship Program

3. BYJU’S IAS Scholarship Test

4. Unacademy UPSC Scholarship Test (UST)

5. Drishti IAS Scholarship Program

6. Vajiram & Ravi Scholarship Test

7. ForumIAS Scholarship Programs

8. Rau’s IAS Scholarship Test

9. Shankar IAS Academy Scholarship Test

10. Chanakya IAS Academy Scholarship Test

11. ALS IAS Scholarship Program

12. Legacy IAS Academy Scholarship Test

13. Insights IAS Scholarship Test

14. ClearIAS Scholarship Programs

15. CivilsDaily Mentorship Scholarship

16. Sleepy Classes UPSC Scholarship

17. StudyIQ IAS Scholarship Test

18. Plutus IAS Scholarship Program

19. Elite IAS Academy Scholarship

20. KSG IAS Scholarship Test (Khan Study Group)

NGO & Foundation UPSC Scholarships

1. Avanti Fellows Civil Services Support Program

2. Vikash Deep Foundation UPSC Scholarship

3. Civil Services Mentorship Foundation (CSMF) Programs

4. Sathee IAS Foundation Scholarship

5. Samkalp Foundation Civil Services Support

6. Udayan Care Higher Education & UPSC Support

7. Pratham Education Foundation UPSC Mentorship Initiatives

8. Robin Hood Army Education Support (limited UPSC mentoring)

9. Youth for India Foundation Civil Services Support

10. Foundation for Excellence (FFE) Mentorship Support (limited cases)

11. Aspire Circle / Aspire Foundation Leadership Scholarships

12. Dronacharya Foundation UPSC Support Programs

13. EkStep Foundation Learning Support Initiatives

14. Kalam Foundation Civil Services Support Programs

15. Rural Development Foundation UPSC Mentorship Initiatives

Fully Free UPSC Scholarships in India

1. Dr. Ambedkar Centres of Excellence (DACE)

2. Free Coaching Scheme (Ministry of Social Justice)

3. Naya Savera Scheme (Minority Affairs)

4. Nai Udaan Scheme (for Prelims-qualified minority candidates)

5. UGC SC/ST Free Coaching Scheme

6. Mukhyamantri Abhyudaya Yojana (Uttar Pradesh)

7. Jai Bhim Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas Yojana (Delhi)

8. Mukhyamantri Anuprati Coaching Yojana (Rajasthan)

9. NTR Vidyonnathi Scheme (Andhra Pradesh)

10. Kerala State Civil Services Academy Free Coaching

11. Maharashtra Pre-IAS Training Centres Scheme

12. Telangana BC Study Circle UPSC Coaching

13. Karnataka Morarji Desai UPSC Coaching Scheme

14. Naan Mudhalvan Civil Services Scheme (Tamil Nadu)

15. Jamia Millia Islamia RCA (Residential Coaching Academy)

16. Aligarh Muslim University UPSC Coaching Program

17. MANUU Free UPSC Coaching Scheme

18. University of Delhi SC/ST Coaching Centres

19. Avanti Fellows Civil Services Mentorship

20. Civil Services Mentorship Foundation (CSMF)

21. Vikash Deep Foundation UPSC Support

22. Samkalp Foundation Civil Services Program

23. Sonu Sood UPSC Scholarship

From fully funded coaching schemes like DACE and Naya Savera to state initiatives like Abhyudaya Yojana and private scholarship tests, aspirants today have more opportunities than ever before. The key is awareness, timely applications, and consistent preparation.

If you’re serious about becoming an IAS officer, exploring these scholarships can significantly reduce financial pressure and help you focus fully on preparation.

---

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility depends on the scheme, but common requirements include:

• Indian citizen

• Graduation completed or final year

• Preparing for UPSC CSE

• Belonging to eligible category (SC/ST/OBC/Minority/EWS)

• Family income limit (usually ₹2–8 lakh/year)

Some scholarships are merit-based regardless of category.

---

Benefits of UPSC Scholarships

UPSC scholarships can significantly reduce preparation costs.

Key Benefits:

• Free coaching worth ₹1–2 lakh

• Monthly stipend

• Free study material

• Test series access

• Mentorship support

• Hostel facilities (in some schemes)

This makes civil services preparation accessible to all.

---

How to Apply for UPSC Scholarships

Step 1: Identify the Scheme

Check:

• Central government portals

• State websites

• Coaching institute scholarship tests

---

Step 2: Check Eligibility

Verify:

• Category requirements

• Income criteria

• Graduation status

---

Step 3: Apply Online

Most applications are online via:

• Official ministry websites

• NSP (for some schemes)

• Coaching institute portals

---

Step 4: Appear for Test/Interview

Many scholarships require:

• Aptitude test

• Essay writing

• Interview round

---

Documents Required

Typical documents include:

• Aadhaar card

• Graduation marksheets

• Income certificate

• Category certificate (if applicable)

• Passport photo

• Domicile certificate

---

Are There Fully Free UPSC Scholarships?

Yes, some schemes offer 100% free preparation, including:

• Coaching

• Hostel

• Food allowance

• Books

But these are highly competitive.

---

Tips to Get UPSC Scholarship

• Apply early

• Attempt multiple scholarships

• Prepare for scholarship tests

• Maintain strong academic record

• Follow official portals regularly

Consistency increases selection chances.

---

Best UPSC Scholarships for Poor Students

If you are from a low-income background, focus on:

• Social Justice Ministry Scheme

• Minority Affairs Coaching Scheme

• State free coaching programs

• NGO mentorship programs

These are more accessible and impactful.

---

Conclusion

UPSC preparation can be financially challenging, but lack of money should never stop talented aspirants from pursuing their civil services dream. With multiple government and private UPSC scholarships available today, students from diverse backgrounds can access quality coaching and guidance without financial burden.

From free coaching schemes run by ministries to merit-based scholarships by private institutes, there are plenty of opportunities to explore. The key is awareness, timely application, and consistent preparation.

If you are serious about becoming an IAS, IPS, or civil servant, start researching and applying for UPSC scholarships early. With the right support and determination, your dream of serving the nation can become a reality.